HB 1214

Regarding the use of electronic wireless communications devices for text messaging while operating a moving motor vehicle.

By a vote of 90 to 8 on April 17, the House concurred with the Senate amendments and approved HB 1214, which would prohibit the use of a wireless device for sending a text message while driving. Exceptions are provided for emergency responders, or individuals reporting illegal activity, reporting an emergency, or trying to prevent injury to other people or property. A violation of this act would be considered a traffic infraction. The bill has passed both chambers and is now under consideration by the governor.

Reps. Eileen Cody, Joe McDermott, Helen Sommers and Mary Lou Dickerson all voted Yes.

HB 2079

Concerning use of agency shop fees.

By a vote of 29 to 20, on April 13, the Senate approved HB 2079, which would modify current law that prohibits labor organizations from using shop fees from non-members for political campaigns. This bill would allow shop fees to be used for political campaigns as long as the labor organization has sufficient funds from other sources. The bill has an emergency clause, which makes its take effect immediately. The bill has passed both chambers and is now under consideration by the governor.

Sens. Erik Poulsen and Jeanne Kohl-Welles voted Yes.

SB 5248

Preserving the viability of agricultural lands.

By a vote of 45 to 2, on April 17, the Senate concurred with the House amendments and approved SB 5248, which would preempt local governments from passing critical area ordinances and development regulations prohibiting legal agricultural activities. Counties and cities could not amend or adopt critical area ordinances under the Growth Management Act for a period between May 1, 2007 and July 1, 2010. Local governments also could not require removal of agricultural land from production. The bill has passed both chambers and is now under consideration by the governor.

Sens. Erik Poulsen and Jeanne Kohl-Welles voted Yes.

SB 5659

Establishing family and medical leave insurance.

By a vote of 61 to 36, on April 13, the House approved SB 5659, which would create new employee benefits for family and medical insurance. Employees on family or medical leave would be entitled to $250 per week for up to five weeks. The Department of Labor and Industries would administer the program and employers would pay premiums of two cents per hour worked, per employee for the first year. Labor and Industries would then have the authority to adjust the premiums every year thereafter. The bill exempts employers with 25 or fewer employees. The Senate refused to concur with the House amendments and the bill is back under consideration.

Reps. Eileen Cody, Joe McDermott, Helen Sommers and Mary Lou Dickerson voted Yes.

SB 6069

Hiring a mediator to help the department of transportation develop a state route number 520 expansion impact plan.

By a vote of 42 to 6, on April 17, the Senate approved SB 6099, which would require the Office of Financial Management to hire a mediator to assist the department in developing a SR 520 expansion impact plan. The plan must address the impacts of the SR 520 bridge replacement and HOV project on Seattle neighborhoods, parks, and institutions of higher education, and the city of Seattle. The provisions of the plan must assume at least $1.1 billion in revenue from tolls and the 6-lane option. The bill has passed both chambers and is now under consideration by the governor.

Sens. Erik Poulsen and Jeanne Kohl-Welles both voted Yes.

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